Japan gets a peak at VN pride

September 23, 2008

HA NOI — A week of Vietnamese culture, kicking off next Tuesday in Japan, will attract over 300,000 Japanese visitors, predicts the event’s organising board.

A number of cross-cultural events will be held, with the aim of popularising Viet Nam and enhancing cultural exchange between the two countries: a photography exhibition of Viet Nam’s people and landscapes, a Viet Nam-Japan culture night, a Viet Nam festival and a forum of economic co-operation between the two countries. Moreover, activities to promote tourism will be held by Vietnam Airlines next Tuesday.

The key event will be the exhibition of Vietnamese culture titled A Glance at Viet Nam, which will last from next Friday to next Sunday in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Three separate cultural spaces at the exhibition will introduce the land and people of Viet Nam, the food and drink culture and the traditional handicrafts of Viet Nam.

At the space devoted to silk, visitors can learn about the Vietnamese custom of silk weaving. Spaces focused on tea, ao dai (long dress), puppetry and flower pruning will give the Japanese people a chance to understand various cultural aspects of Viet Nam.

A performance by 200 Vietnamese artists, with the theme of Marvellous Viet Nam, will be held next Tuesday in Osaka.

A photo exhibition on the landscape and people of Viet Nam, focusing on Vietnamese Cultural Heritage will be shown both next Tuesday and Friday, in Tokyo.

The Viet Nam-Japan cultural night, taking place next Tuesday and Friday in Tokyo and Osaka, will feature the national art of the two countries. Vietnamese artists will perform folk songs, dancing and play musical instruments, showcasing the unique culture of three regions. The Japanese troupe will also perform traditional music.

A Viet Nam-Japan economic co-operation forum will be held from next Wednesday to next Friday in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. The forum will be attended by about 100 Vietnamese businessmen and nearly 300 Japanese businessmen, who will discuss promoting trade, investment, and tourism.

“Commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between the two countries, the event will not only be an opportunity to enhance mutual cultural exchange and understanding, but also a chance to boost bilateral trade, investment and tourism,” said Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem in his letter to welcome the event.

Additionally, he said that he believed the cultural week would be a success, helping to further develop the fine relationship between the two countries. — VNS